A Note from The Virtual Wall

In mid-December 1968 the 65th Engineers and the 4th Bn, 9th Infantry, began construction of what became known as "Fire Support Base MOLE CITY" - visitors were greeted by a sign that read "WELCOME TO MOLE CITY, The Sandbag Capitol of the World". The nickname, and the reason for it, was well-earned.

The new fire support base was only 5 kilometers from the Cambodian border, and apparently the VC and NVA took exception to the idea of having a US base quite so close to their sanctuary. On 22 December the base was attacked by elements of the 272nd VC Regiment and/or 207th NVA Regiment. In a vicious night fight the NVA/VC were forced to withdraw, leaving 103 bodies behind - but the fight cost 17 American dead and another 34 wounded. The dead were

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Barnard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 December 1968 as a platoon leader at a fire support base near Tay Ninh City. Shortly after midnight a regimental-size Viet Cong/North Vietnamese Army force hit the camp with a devastating mortar, rocket-propelled grenade and rocket attack, followed by human wave assaults. The communists centered their drive against the section of the perimeter manned by Sergeant Barnard's company and succeeded in seizing five of its bunkers. Realizing that the base was in danger of being overrun, Sergeant Barnard unhesitatingly volunteered to lead an attempt to oust the aggressors from these positions. By placing effective fire with his rifle and hurling fragmentation grenades, he killed the enemy troops in four of the fortifications. As he fearlessly assaulted the last stronghold, he was mortally wounded by the fierce hostile fire. Sergeant First Class Barnard's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Sergeant First Class Richard G. Barnard,
recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross,
is remembered by his comrades in the 4th Bn, 9th Infantry.